"Despite the river being used for daily chores, fishing and transportation, very few people in Sudan know how to swim and water safety guidelines on boats are rarely put into practice," said Mr Graham.

He says no research has been carried out on the exact drowning figures along the River Nile.

However, fellow project leader Tilal Salih, the volunteer coordinator, says a large number of Sudanese people know someone who has lost their life in the river.

"Now is the time to do something about it," he said.

While being widen in Sudan, the project also aims to expand into other countries in the Nile Basin.

It also aims to promote friendship and understanding by bringing together people from different backgrounds, as some have been affected by conflict.